UNICEF SUPPORTS CHILDREN ON THE CHALLENGES OF THE NSP-GBVF

Precious Mupenzi

• UNICEF has raised concerns about the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), highlighting its challenges in adequately address the needs of young people and urging greater inclusion of children’s perspectives. 
• During an initiative held at the Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre in Gauteng, UNICEF emphasised the importance of child-focused interventions to combat gender-based violence and create safer environments for children.
• UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Mr Irfan Akhtar, called for continued investment in child protection and collaborative efforts across sectors, underscoring the need to listen to children’s voices in the development of policies that impact their lives.

In a landmark development, UNICEF has voiced its support for children in addressing the current National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF), highlighting its challenges in adequately protecting young people. During an engagement at the Mary Moodley Child and Youth Care Centre in Benoni, Gauteng, on 19 October 2024, UNICEF emphasised the importance of incorporating children’s voices into the NSP. The organisation stressed that, while progress has been made, more must be done to ensure that young people’s unique challenges and perspectives are fully considered in the fight against gender-based violence.

The launch, organised by the Department of Social Development (DSD), represents a significant step in amplifying the voices of children and ensuring their active participation in shaping policies that impact their lives. UNICEF South Africa, a key partner in this effort, expressed strong support for child-focused interventions aimed at preventing violence and creating safer environments for children.

UNICEF’s Deputy Country Representative, Mr Irfan Akhtar, delivered a powerful message of support, highlighting the organisation’s commitment to the NSP-GBVF. He underscored the urgent need for collaborative efforts to protect children and break the cycle of violence. “UNICEF stands firmly with the children of South Africa in their quest for a violence-free society,” Akhtar said. “We are committed to providing the necessary resources and support to see this vision become a reality.”

He emphasised that violence against children remains a critical issue, compounded by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Akhtar stressed the importance of strengthening child protection services, enhancing psychosocial support for children and caregivers, and promoting parenting programmes that equip families with the skills to foster safer environments. He also highlighted UNICEF’s role in supporting government efforts, particularly in implementing Pillar 7 of the NSP-GBVF, which focuses on ensuring a coordinated response to gender-based violence that includes the voices and needs of children.

Led by 14-year-old Child Ambassador, Ms Bokamuso Kubheka, the children presented and handed over the report to Minister Tolashe, expressing their deep commitment to making South Africa a safer place for future generations. Maje, a Grade 9 learner, emphasised the importance of giving young people a platform to express their views on critical issues like gender-based violence.

Messages of support were also delivered by Dr Shaheda Omar from the Teddy Bear Foundation and other key stakeholders, all of whom echoed the importance of child-centred interventions in combating gender-based violence. They affirmed their commitment to working alongside government and civil society to create safer spaces for children across South Africa.

UNICEF’s Akhtar further emphasised the importance of listening to children’s voices when crafting policies that impact their lives. He called for continued investment in prevention, improved access to services for survivors, and collaborative efforts across sectors to ensure that every child in South Africa grows up in a safe, loving, and supportive environment.

The launch of the Children’s Report on the NSP-GBVF marks a key milestone in South Africa’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence. By amplifying the voices of children in this process, the Department of Social Development and its partners reaffirm their commitment to building a more inclusive and safer society for all. As part of this national effort, Minister Tolashe will also launch the report in Cape Town on 20 October 2024, further extending the reach and impact of this crucial initiative.